PDP CRISIS: GUNMEN OPEN FIRE ON EX-OYO SSG

Gunmen opened fire towards the vehicle of the ex - Secretary to the State Government of Oyo State, Mr Sharafadeen Alli this morning shortly after the installation of some Baales by the Olubadan at the Olubadan's Palace at Popoyemoja, Ibadan.

The former SSG was at the back seat of his black Toyota Land cruiser Jeep with registration number Epe 447 ER when bullets penetrated his windscreen by the owner's seat.

A source who pleaded anonymity said that, the gunmen were on the pay roll of a top PDP politician who engaged them with the intent to assassinate Mr Sharafadeen Alli because of his prospect of winning the PDP ticket to contest as Governor in 2019.

Investigations are ongoing about the sequence of events and actions that led to this assassination attempt. An update is expected soon.

GUNMEN OPEN FIRE TOWARDS EX OYO SSG VEHICLE

Gunmen opened fire towards the vehicle of the ex - Secretary to the State Government of Oyo State, Mr Sharafadeen Alli this morning shortly after the installation of some Baales by the Olubadan at the Olubadan's Palace at Popoyemoja, Ibadan.

The former SSG was sitting at the back seat of his black Toyota Land cruiser Jeep with registration number Epe 447 ER when bullets penetrated his windscreen by the owner's seat.

A source who pleaded anonymity said that, the gunmen were on the pay roll of a top PDP politician who engaged them with the intent to assassinate Mr Sharafadeen Alli because of his prospect of winning the PDP ticket to contest as Governor in 2019.

Our media team is still investigating the activities and actions that led to this assassination attempt and we shall bring you the update as soon as possible.

Oyo APC faults Olubadan over allowance claim
BY SEUN SEUN · SEPTEMBER 22, 2017



The Oyo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has faulted Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, over the claim that the state government has not paid his allowances for the past six months.

The Director, Media and Public Affairs to the monarch, Adeola Oloko, recently told our correspondent that the monarch had not been receiving his allowances regularly from the Oyo State Government.

But in a statement signed by the party’s Director of Media, Research and Strategy, Dr. AbdulAzeez Olatunde, the APC also commended the Olubadan for approaching the court over the installation of 21 new kings by the state Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

This legal action, the APC noted, was a “more honourable one compared to the previous combative steps and provocative statements from the palace.”

Olatunde said that the monarch collected statutory allocations from the 11 council areas of the state and from the state government, stressing that both sources had been remitting the money regularly.

The statement said, “Our father, the Olubadan, receives multiple tax-free payments from all the 11 local governments in Ibadan land. For instance, he has collected up till August 2017 from Ibadan South-East, Ido, Ibadan South-West, Ibadan North, Oluyole and Ibadan North-East council areas while Lagelu council area has paid up to July 2017.

“Egbeda and Ona Ara council areas have paid up to June 2017. It is only Akinyele council area that is behind in meeting with this financial obligations and it is not peculiar to the Olubadan but to the generality of workers on its payroll.

“Contrary to the six months outstanding being peddled, the state government has paid all the monarchs in the state up to June 2017 from the appropriated fund of the approved budget and that is the same month which workers in the state have been paid up to. Kabiyesi still collects his honorarium for any event he attends just like the recently held APC organised Public Sitting on True Federalism.”

Reviewing Olubadan chieftaincy titles beyond sentiment
By Ismael Taiwo
22 September 2017 | 4:00 am

The hoopla that thus greeted the move by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State to review the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and other related chieftaincies in Ibadanland is nothing short of clinging to primordial sentiments.

Recently, much has been said on the recent reviewing of Olubadan chieftaincy titles which culminated in the elevation of Olubadan High Chiefs and Baales across Ibadan land to the rank of Obaship. Some justified the move while some vilified the state government and claimed the move to be an attempt to demoralise the powers of Olubadan. Country people, I have sought to maintain silence and refused to make my assertion based on bandwagon effect but rather mustering enough facts and evidences from those that are accustomed with traditions, customs and the laws of the land. In the cause of my search for knowledge, I got to realise that there are so many anomalies in the traditional laws that exist in Oyo State. The Olubadan Chieftaincy declaration was made in 1957, about 60 years ago and it was firstly reviewed in 1976 and the successive governments did follow suit but none was able to conclude and have it in a gazette. From the last review, it was stated that Olubadan High Chiefs should be regarded as Obas and this was widely supported and agreed by all Chiefs, stakeholders including the then Oba but only remained to be given beaded crowns until the recent development. Change, they say is constant, a declaration of 60 years ago I believe is due for a review subject to the fact that the world is evolving. This is based on the premise that Ibadan as densely populated it only possesses a grand Oba who is known as Olubadan while some towns that cannot even match the population density of a local government in Ibadan possess numerous kings.

Change, as the only constant in life, has become a universal aphorism. Nonetheless, humans are evolutionarily predisposed to resist change because of the inherent uncertainties. Organisations and people that don’t embrace change are bound to lose ground and stagnate. In the words of a late British Prime Minister, Harold Wilson, those who reject change are the architects of decay. The only human institution that rejects progress is the cemetery.


The hoopla that thus greeted the move by Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State to review the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration and other related chieftaincies in Ibadanland is nothing short of clinging to primordial sentiments.

According to the last review, a high chief in Ibadan is synonymous to Oba in other places but high chiefs in Ibadan have been subjected to ridicule on many occasions they had accompanied Olubadan to while some of their counterparts in ranks who accompanied their respective Obas were recognised based on their beaded crowns. The above justification for the review viz-a-viz the spread of development across the remote areas cum the change that is constant. Hence, the need to put my pen on paper and make my opinion known. However, opinion might be cheap as claimed by Winston Churchill in his last presidential statement in United Kingdom – “Opinion is cheap, truth is sacrosanct and fact is sacred. These words necessitated my move to inquire for facts which are sacred in order to substantiate my opinion.

According to the chieftaincy laws in Ibadan, it is stated that “there shall be Olubadan in council known as high chiefs headed by the imperial majesty known as Olubadan and shall be subjected to review.” It is reported that Olubadan in Council wrote and requested that the laws governing chieftaincy and traditional matters in Oyo State be reviewed. Suffice to state here that Section 26(1), (2), (3), (4) and (5) Cap. 28, Vol. 1, Laws of Oyo State empower the governor to approve or review Chieftaincy Declaration of any chieftaincy. The laws have stated clearly and there is no need for rabble rousers to sow the seed of discord in the land only if we want to change the existing laws of the land.

Meanwhile, the agitation for the review did not just start during the reign of Ajimobi led government. It began since the reign of Governor Kolapo Ishola’s administration, which brought about Oloko Panel. Oba Akinyele (former Olubadan) was the first person that wrote about it, about the history of Ibadan and he stated specifically in the book, the justification and the need for a review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy declaration as well as other notable Ibadan people who put the issue in writing through memorandum to the state.


Country people, I neither hold brief for the state government and its apologists nor to chastise the critics of the installation. I make bold to assert that the recent development has been long overdue and should not generate any rabble rousing from any quarters. However, the hasty reviewing is where my reservation lies. The government should have given enough time for debate and interactions to enable sons and daughters of Ibadanland have their opinions known prior to the installation. In as much as I condemn the timeframe for the review cum installation, we can never overlook the goodies that will trail the development. Those who think we are still in medieval time must understand that since the reigns of military and the inception of democracy the powers of traditional rules have been subdued under 1999 constitution as amended and this has placed traditional rulers under the State government. Hence, traditional rulers only exercise ceremonial powers alone.

Despite the fact that I am one of those who believe that traditional system should be respected at all times, we cannot overlook the fact that maintaining the status quo of the current traditional settings which are fraught with complexities and anomalies will do us no good than to retard the yearning for the development and civilisation across the towns and remote areas owing to the fact that Ibadan’s heritage as a cradle of civilisation and development is fast eroding and fading away. Hence, the need for the reviewing to be in line with modern-day-realities. To crown it up, I submit by posing this question to those who fault the process based on primordial sentiment: Shouldn’t a declaration made exactly 60 years ago be modified and reviewed? If we are to be sincere with ourselves, we have no option than to agree that the review is long overdue.

Taiwo, social commentator, wrote from Ile-Ife.

LEADING FROM THE FRONT: Governor Abiola Ajimobi leaving no stone unturned regarding his drive to build a #modernOyo, in this case, a "learning city". He is seen here attentively participating in the UNESCO x Learning Cities Program in Ireland.
*****************

* WHAT IS A LEARNING CITY?
According to UNESCO, a learning city promotes lifelong learning for all. It is defined as a city that effectively mobilizes its resources in every sector to promote inclusive learning from basic to higher education;
revitalizes learning in families and communities;
facilitates learning for and in the workplace;
extends the use of modern learning technologies;
enhances quality and excellence in learning; and
fosters a culture of learning throughout life.

In doing so, the city enhances individual empowerment and social inclusion, economic development and cultural prosperity, and sustainable development

Lifelong learning is key in creating sustainable cities and societies. In the quest for sustainable societies, we must learn to live sustainably. People require certain skills, values and attitudes if they are to contribute to the creation of sustainable societies and address the challenges they face in helping achieve this goal. In today’s fast-changing world, where social, economic and political contexts are constantly being reshaped and reevaluated, learning must be continuous and lifelong. Lifelong learning and education must, therefore, become a main driver in developing the resources necessary for people to achieve sustainable environmental, social and economic advancement.

Cities are on the frontline of the battle for sustainable development. They are the scene not only of rapid economic growth and technological innovation but also of extreme poverty, socio-economic inequality and excessive consumption. They are also sites of continuous exchange of knowledge and ideas; places where people live, work and learn. As such, every city has enormous potential to stimulate and support learning among their inhabitants in ways that can help tackle existing issues, strengthen social cohesion and solidarity, and transform the prospects of urban communities for the better.

Click the link below to know more about the learning city, its benefits and success story:
learningcities2017.org/practical-information/conference-venue/

#AsiwajuNiWa
#ModernOyo

REMARKABLE 100% JUMP IN WASSCE

PERFORMANCE: How did Oyo state do it?EDUCATION BY QUICKSILVER

The Oyo State government recently made major reviews of its education policy with a clear intention to reposition education for productivity and reclaim its Pacesetter status. This noticeable surge in students’ performance in the 2017 SSCE, evident in a 100% improvement in average percentage performance from 22.12% (2016) to 54.18% (2017), is a highly remarkable take home from these key reforms:

1. ENFORCEMENT OF 80% ATTENDANCE
Enforcement of 80% attendance for all students to ensure their optimum performance in external or internal examinations. Students who fail to achieve the set standard would not be eligible for promotion to higher classes.

2. CANCELLATION OF AUTOMATIC PROMOTIONS
Automatic promotion of students in all public secondary is now cancelled. Promotions is based on merit so as “to ensure that quality products are graduated from the public schools.”

3. EXTRAMURAL CLASSES
Extramural classes for JSS3 and SSS3 in all public secondary schools. This measure is to add quality time to the teaching periods.

4. EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT LEVY
A sum of N3,000 (three thousand naira) will be paid per student on annual basis as Education Development Levy. The payment of the levy will be in three installments of N1,000 per term.

5. NO MORE FREE WAEC REGISTRATION
Oyo government has stopped further payment of WAEC registration fees with effect from 2015/16 academic session as decided by stakeholders. “This is as a result of the lackadaisical attitude of students and to ensure commitment of parents to better performance of their wards in external examinations.

6. QUALIFYING EXAMS
The state government introduced qualifying examination for ss2 students transiting to the next upper class (SS3 – final year students) so as to ensure that only serious and quality students are presented for the final external examinations.”

7. ZONAL EDUCATION MONITORING COMMITTEES
The committees comprised of seasoned educationists, parents and security agents are engaged to “bring to students’ truancy and social ills noticeable within and outside school’s premises to a zero level.

8. ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARDs
Establishment of School Governing Boards as the State’s Participatory Management of Schools’ Model for the six hundred and twenty eight (628) public secondary schools and the Technical Colleges in the State.

REMARKABLE 100% JUMP IN WASSCE

PERFORMANCE: How did Oyo state do it?EDUCATION BY QUICKSILVER

The Oyo State government recently made major reviews of its education policy with a clear intention to reposition education for productivity and reclaim its Pacesetter status. This noticeable surge in students’ performance in the 2017 SSCE, evident in a 100% improvement in average percentage performance from 22.12% (2016) to 54.18% (2017), is a highly remarkable take home from these key reforms:

1. ENFORCEMENT OF 80% ATTENDANCE
Enforcement of 80% attendance for all students to ensure their optimum performance in external or internal examinations. Students who fail to achieve the set standard would not be eligible for promotion to higher classes.

2. CANCELLATION OF AUTOMATIC PROMOTIONS
Automatic promotion of students in all public secondary is now cancelled. Promotions is based on merit so as “to ensure that quality products are graduated from the public schools.”

3. EXTRAMURAL CLASSES
Extramural classes for JSS3 and SSS3 in all public secondary schools. This measure is to add quality time to the teaching periods.

4. EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT LEVY
A sum of N3,000 (three thousand naira) will be paid per student on annual basis as Education Development Levy. The payment of the levy will be in three installments of N1,000 per term.

5. NO MORE FREE WAEC REGISTRATION
Oyo government has stopped further payment of WAEC registration fees with effect from 2015/16 academic session as decided by stakeholders. “This is as a result of the lackadaisical attitude of students and to ensure commitment of parents to better performance of their wards in external examinations.

6. QUALIFYING EXAMS
The state government introduced qualifying examination for ss2 students transiting to the next upper class (SS3 – final year students) so as to ensure that only serious and quality students are presented for the final external examinations.”

7. ZONAL EDUCATION MONITORING COMMITTEES
The committees comprised of seasoned educationists, parents and security agents are engaged to “bring to students’ truancy and social ills noticeable within and outside school’s premises to a zero level.

8. ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARDs
Establishment of School Governing Boards as the State’s Participatory Management of Schools’ Model for the six hundred and twenty eight (628) public secondary schools and the Technical Colleges in the State.

#ThisIsOyoState - Of the close to 2,000 kilometers of roads reportedly built by the present administration in Oyo state over the past 6 years, an impressive chunk of it are a network of urban and rural roads outside the state capital.
It is encouraging to know that the spate of development seen by most in the state capital is similar to what's obtainable in our other cities.
While the major highways that are newly constructed and/or reconstructed in other major cities within Oyo state have opened new economic windows therein, the rural roads in their own might have seriously boosted agricultural productivity by creating ease of access.
Most of these rural roads were constructed to lead to expansive farmlands, remove the bottleneck of poor accessibility and then make agriculture productive. It is also noteworthy to know that most of these rural infrastructures were constructed in direct cooperation with the LGAs, deploying direct labour (in other words, contracted to locals) and thus, keeping the economic impact within each zone.
So far, about 334 of such roads have been completed by this government across Oyo state at last count.
A typical example is the construction (and maintenance) of the impressive stretch of the SEKONI-OKELERIN road in Ogbomoso land, linking up with the Surulere and Oko axis of the town, where Oyo state's expansive and one-of-it's-kind Cashew bed is located.
The ongoing SAKI-IBARIBA road construction/expansion is also poised, as an example, to further open Saki's industrial (ikoko-irin) and agricultural/economic (shea butter) potentials to the world. Same goes for Iseyin and Oyo towns.
The impact of the infrastructural drive of the Ajimobi-led Oyo state government on the socioeconomic development of our towns and cities is nothing short of impressive.
#AsiwajuNiWa
#AjumoseInfrastructure
#Thisisoyostate

The Oyo State Government has said that about 11, 000 SS3 students participated in its WAEC Boot Camp in 66 centers across the Local Government Councils and Local Council Development Areas in the state to prepare students for the forthcoming examinations.

The government equally stated that 300 pupils between the ages 14 and 18 from both public and private schools participated in its OyoMesi Job Experience (OJE) scheme initiated to reignite the learning passion in pupils and give them appropriate exposure in the work place in order to imbibe relevant work ethics to prepare them for an excellent future.

The Special Adviser to Governor Ajimobi on Education, Dr Bisi Akin-Alabi stated these on Thursday in Ibadan, saying that another set of about 1000 pupils partook in a 4-week French Clinic and Cluster learning on Digital Literacy with three pilot centres including St Annes School, Molete, Lagelu Grammar School Agugu and Anglican Commercial Grammar School, Orita-mefa.

Dr Akin-Alabi noted that the French Clinic was organized to expose pupils to fresh as a second language for social interaction on global scene, adding that the digital literacy was meant to give pupils access to ICT as tools for learning and education enablers.

The Special Adviser, Education, explained that the WAEC Boot camp was organized to keep the pupils focused and prepare them for future examinations, stating that the long vacation represents a risk period in education for teenagers as they become restless and often engage in mischievous activities.

According to her, “All the OyoMesi activities, OJE, French Clinic, Digital Literacy and WAEC Boot Camp, have a common objective. They are meant to get pupils engaged in purposeful activities that are value adding to their education, discourage anti social activities and vices as well as juvenile delinquency during the long vacation. Most parents are not around to properly monitor their wards during the long vacation.”

Dr Akin-Alabi added that the Oyo State Government took the novel steps to prepare the pupils for future challenges and engage them in productive things rather than discouraging activities.

In order to douse the rumours of friction between them and project elderstatesmanship, especially considering the Olubadan chieftaincy review, Governor Abiola Ajimobi had stated on a special live interview on because TV, that he had no frictional relationship with Chief Rasheed Ladoja, such that he even facilitated prompt allocation of a free land to the ex-Governor recently.

• Chief Rasheed Ladoja came out a day later to deny that he received such favour from the Ajimobi government.

• The Oyo state government have since come out with evidence that the act of favour indeed happened and that Chief Ladoja indeed sent an appreciation letter.

The Oyo State Government, through its Housing Corporation, on Wednesday insisted that the State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi gave a plot of land to Senator Rashidi Ladoja free of charge, saying that Senator Ladoja acknowledged receipt of the land with appreciation in a letter dated May 14, 2017 and titled Re: Application for the Allocation of Plot 26, Ondo Street Bodija Estate, Ibadan.

The government’s position was stated in a statement issued in Ibadan by the Acting General Manager of the Oyo State Housing Corporation, Tpl S. O. Adekunle, saying that the corporation is not in receipt of any letter requesting for the backing of the Governor’s statutory payment waiver authority and cost of allocation. It also wondered why a former Governor would ask such an elementary question having been in the saddles.

Evidence ladoja received land from Oyo state

The Government said that the media aide to Senator Ladoja might be uninformed about the true state of developments, hence, his earlier misguided and untrue statement, explaining that Senator Ladoja applied for the land in a personally signed letter dated 14th of July 2016 and titled : Application for the Allocation of Plot No 26, Ondo Street.

Ladoja lied about land

The government noted that the letter, which was written on Senator Ladoja’s personal letter headed paper was addressed to the General Manager, Oyo State Housing Corporation Estate (OYSHC), Bodija and a copy was sent to His Excellency, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, Governor of Oyo State.

Ladoja lied about land

According to the government, “The government wouldn’t have joined issues with the former governor over a matter which was simply a benevolent act of the Governor but for the malicious, insulting and integrity impugning statement of calling Governor Ajimobi a liar. All documents including the application as well as acknowledgement letters concerning the allocation of land are in our custody.

“The letter from Senator Ladoja read in part, ‘I wish to apply for the allocation of the captioned landed property. The abandoned landed property was sharing immediate fence with my house and I have engaged the land to prevent the place been (sic) used as hide-out for criminal and people of questionable character for over 20 years. In fact, on many occasion (sic), we have to forcefully repel the criminals who constituted security risk to us in the environment. It is on record that I have not been allocated any land either in new or old Bodija by your corporation. In fact where I reside presently was purchased from the original allotees” the government disclosed.

The government stated that it responded in a letter dated May 11, 2017 and signed for the General Manager, OYSHC, by one Mr. S. Toyeshe Lawal with the following contents, ‘I am directed to refer to your letter dated 14th July, 2016 in respect of the above captioned subject matter and to inform you that His Excellency, Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi has magnanimously approved that the parcel of land lying on Plot No. 26 of Survey Plan No.Ib.1128 being No. 26, Ondo Street at Bodija Estate, Ibadan be allocated to you free of charge as a benefit that should accrue to you being one time Governor of the State’.

The government stressed that Senator Ladoja replied with a personally signed appreciation letter dated May 14 and addressed to the General Manager, OYSHC, with the following as content, “This is to acknowledge, with thanks, the receipt of your letter dated 11th May 2017 informing me that His Excellency, Senator Isiaq Abiola Ajimobi has magnanimously approved the allocation of the above plot of land to me. I HEREBY ACCEPT THE ALLOCATION.

“Please find enclosed with this letter the duly completed Application Form for your kind processing. While thanking you immensely for this rare gesture, you will kindly convey my appreciation to His Excellency, the Executive Governor,” Senator Ladoja’s letter read.

The government maintained that Governor Ajimobi did not make the statement to spite former Governor Ladoja but to show the cordial relationship between the two parties in which the former Governor has benefitted immensely.

In order to douse the rumours of friction between them and project elderstatesmanship, especially considering the Olubadan chieftaincy review, Governor Abiola Ajimobi had stated on a special live interview on because TV, that he had no frictional relationship with Chief Rasheed Ladoja, such that he even facilitated prompt allocation of a free land to the ex-Governor recently.
• Chief Rasheed Ladoja came out a day later to deny that he received such favour from the Ajimobi government.
• The Oyo state government have since come out with evidence that the act of favour indeed happened and that Chief Ladoja indeed sent an appreciation letter.

#ThisIsOyoState - The AWE-STRIKING ADO AWAYE - The HOME of INIMITABLE WONDERS!
Located 20 kilometers west of Iseyin and with Benin Republic to its other bight, the richly historic town of Adó Àwáyè in Oyo state is a pride to behold from every angle possible. The rich history aside, Ado Awaye has an abundance of naturally-occurring wonders that leave every visitor stung and struck with awe!
It all started with Kòyí in 1500 AD, Alaafin's crown prince; it was he who fortuitously founded Adó Àwáyè while departing Oyo for Òtà in the anger of losing the Alaafin throne to his younger brother, Onígbògì. On getting to this loc ation and with a crown strapped to his loins, he saw some smoke atop a hill, reached for it, and met some Dahomey escapees who eventually sought his leadership as king. He became the first Alado of Adó Àwáyè, and the rest as they say, is 'awe-inspiring' history.
There are 16 wondrous hills that stare at you from any point inside Adó Àwáyè, each with 16 domiciled gods to boot and a each with its signature (hi)story; most notable of all is the amazing stretch of the Ado-Awaye hill.
And, of the many wonders in this town and particularly on the Ado Awaye hill, one that stands out is the second only of its kind suspended lake in the world, named the Ìyàké lake, which sits gloriously atop the hill, some 2,000 meters up. For anyone who enjoys good health, it'll take about 90 minutes to firstly climb the 350 steps and then navigate the rocky outcrops and shrubs, to get to where Ìyàké lake is atop this hill.
The Ìyàké lake is simply beautiful to behold in its mythical and mystical marvel. It is about 4 metres in diameter, green in color at sight (NOT algae-induced) but clear when fetched into containers, and according to the natives, this lake is reportedly depthless/bottomless. While speaking with the present Alado of Ado Awaye, Oba Ademola Folakanmi, Makuledoye II, he cited the many mysteries of the Ìyàké lake, which include its age-long fertility powers, its bottomlessness, and the fact that it never overflows or drops beneath it bounds irrespective of the amount of rain or drought, respectively.
Swimming inside the Ìyàké lake is strictly forbidden, obviously because of its reverent depthlessness, and partly because the locals believe there's another world beneath it; in fact, foreigners and tourists are not allowed to touch the water, any attempt to defy that is at the risk of being "swallowed" whole by the lake, like that "oyinbo man that tried it and has never been seen since". This above is according to Ìyàké gospel recited and intoned eerily by the Oba and the locals. But, locals who have endured necessary rites can fetch the water for visitors who desire a scoop to enjoy its famed powers.
Just some inches away from this famous Ìyàké suspended lake, is a mini-me version of it, called the "Agbómofún'yàké lake", a similarly awesome sight to behold. It also has all the mystical 'depthless, don't touch, don't dip, don't place your foot' trappings possessed by the former, and it actually got its name from that. Agbómofún'yàké, meaning, give the child (read prey) to Ìyàké; defy and suffer same "swallow whole" consequences.
[*a suspended or hanging lake is one on a mountain, hill, cliff etc that has no obvious source. There are just two of such in the entire world, the other is the Hanging Lake Hiking Trail in Glenwood Springs, Colorado, USA]
Then, there is the Ìsàgè hill also, another striking sight as you approach the hill's peak. It fits as the horn of the hills combined, as it is seen standing with little or no visible support. Mystically, it is said that no push or shove, nor heavy wind or rain, can throw it off its stand. In short, Ìsàgè hill doesn't fall, and that has earned it a god-like status among the natives therein. To them, praying to Ìsàgè assures of instant answers.
There's also the Ìsàtá hill, a twin-set hill, seen across the monstrous Ado Awaye one. This one is where every Alado, the king, must climb and inhabit for specified days, to fully invoke and inhale the protective powers of the hill as a rite.
The topmost part of the Adó Àwáyè is a place called "Esèkan Ikú", translated the cusp of death! Ha-ha, don't be scared, but, only men abundant in the coins of gallantry and shillings of endurance can reach this particular spot oh. The view from Esèkan Ikú will embarrass one's curiosity no doubt; you gain a full view of the entire rocky outcrop of Ado Awaye at a mere glance, the 16 notable ones especially, together with the whole range of hills lying towards the Benin Republic border.
Another wonder atop Ado Awaye hill is the "Esè àwon Àgbà" (Foot prints of the elders); these massive, truly foot-like indentations engraved on the rocky spread, about 100 of them. According to the Ado Awaye gospel, these are foot prints of roving gods, elders, who ages ago, found abode atop the hill.
The Elephant Tree is another mystic on the Ado Awaye hill. The locals that serve as tour guides term it a must-see. It is said to have dropped from the sky and took this truly elephantine morph upon impact. It's a truly intriguing sight.
Other attractions on Ado-Awaye include the abyssal "Esè kan Aiyé, Esè kan Òrun" crack, a deep crack that separates one side of the mountain from the other; one dare not drop foot here. Then, the Màje kànkàn Shrine where every new king of Ado Awaye must also visit for rites; the Ìyá Onírú Lake, which is located on the other side of the mountain, it is a shallow mountain that never dries up too, and then the Ìyá-Aláró lake, another mystical lake named after a woman, a native, given to making festive sacrifices.
In all, these inimitable wonders in Adó Àwáyè, especially the ones seen atop and from the Ado Awaye hill itself, leave one awestruck for days, with an indelible mark of nature's bliss beautifully carved into the memory.
#AsiwajuNiWa
#Thisisoyostate
#AdoAwaye
#OyoTourism

On the OLUBADAN review: Why we should NOT listening to Adeola Oloko

The quite painful and disheartening thing about the dissident voices howling foul about the Olubadan Chieftaincy review, is the desecrating, derogatory and demeaning effect these voices are having on the highly exalted Olubadan stool.

For any true Ibadan native, seeing our Oba being used by political piranhas and dragged through a roadshow around town with the sole aim of scavenging solidarity against a rather lawful and befitting cause such as this elevation and enthronement of new Obas, is tear-worthy and sad to say the least. Is this how far people will go in a attempt to trump and popular and just review? Desecrate the stool of our Imperial Majesty?

Judging by clear antecedents, it is actually believable that the Olubadan of Ibadan himself, Oba Saliu Adetunji, isn't against enjoying the attendant rights, rites and royalties that come with the elevation of his stool to an Imperial Majesty; thus, making it quite clear that he's been hoodwinked by whims of politically motivated and willfully ignorant people marauding around him as advisers.

And, one of such advisers is the supposed spokesperson of the palace, Adeola Oloko.

It is interesting to know that Oloko was the former press secretary to the former Governor, Rashidi Ladoja, the present Osi Olubadan, who has stood against the review obstinately, albeit, in solitary minority.

Hence, it is not only surprising that he is playing dirty politics with a traditional institution and by so doing, dragging the good name of the Olubadan and the royal stool into the murky waters of politics.

His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Adetunji is an octogenarian and a honorable one at but unfortunately, he is not aware of Oloko's politicization of the royal stool.

Afterall, he that pays the pipper dictates the tune. Oloko’s allegiance is not to the Olubadan but to Ladoja who is attempting to drag the traditional institution into politics by being an Olubadan-in-waiting that is actively involved in partisan politics.

Mr. Oloko should be reminded of past monarchs that attempted to politicise the royal stool, there was always a sorry and sad tale to the end of their story.

The Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes on Tuesday said 90 per cent of Ibadan indigenes were in support of the enthronement of 21 new kings by Governor Abiola Ajimobi.

Speaking in Ibadan during a press conference called by the council, the CCII President-General, Chief Yemi Soladoye, said there was a history of chieftaincy reforms dating back to the 19th century in the city, noting that the flawless succession system in Ibadan was the result of several reviews.

Soladoye said high chiefs, who were elevated to the position of kings in Ibadan, had always been accorded the status of second-class kings by the state government. He stated that the new kings had no domain, meaning that Ibadan land remains under the Olubadan authority.

He said, “The CCII wishes to confirm that the change that has just taken place was desired, initiated, supported, applauded and appreciated by the generality of Ibadan indigenes worldwide.

“Constant changes and reviews are in fact the ingredients that have sustained our well-organised and rancour-free ascension to the throne of Olubadan of Ibadan land in almost 200 years of our existence.

During the time of Lagelu, our progenitor, up to the dissolution of the second Ibadan, we were using various titles including Olubadan and since the emergence of this third Ibadan around 1820, titles like Basorun, Balogun, and Aare have been used to describe our leaders.

“Nobody has created any new ruling house (with the new system). The former high chiefs can now physically carry the authority of the Olubadan for development in their communities and create flamboyancy around the Kabiyesi at public functions.

The new kings are not kings of anywhere as they are still in the queue to become Olubadan and the imperial power over the entire Ibadan land still resides in the Olubadan of Ibadan land.”

Soladoye explained that the baales that were elevated to king status were from satellite towns that were subdued by the Ibadan warriors many years ago, adding that it was not an attempt to divide Ibadan into several parts.

“The fact of the case is that satellite towns like Ijaiye-Orile, Erunmu, Lalupon had in fact existed before the present Ibadan but having defeated them in wars, we demoted their kings and annexed them to Ibadan. The new arrangement is a manifestation of the usual magnanimity and hospitality of Ibadan people but they wear the coronet from the Olubadan and not their ancestral crowns in the new dispensation. Some of the crowns are also granted to protect our border towns,” noted the CCII boss.

Asked if the council had made efforts to reach out to the Olubadan, who is opposed to the move, Soladoye said that various meetings had been held with Ajimobi and the Olubadan.

“The CCII during the entire saga held various meetings with the governor, the Olubadan, members of the Olubadan-in-Council and Ibadan elders and wish to confirm that our Kabiyesi is a dynamic and progressive king who would naturally due to his age and experience of life play safe in his response to any change agenda with insufficient clarity and enlightenment. The CCII takes responsibility for this gap,” Soladoye noted.

The old order

IBADAN, the capital city of Oyo State, is known to be at peace with itself, with a widely- acclaimed republican system of Obaship and succession without rancour. Its people had established for themselves an unusual succession principle, quite different compared with other Yoruba towns.

Taking the statistics of age of Olubadans in history, they are usually old men, having spent years to climb the succession ladder. It is, however, unfortunate that not all aspiring Olubadan eventually emerges, as nature has a way of keeping some of them off their ambition. The death of someone on the ladder means promotion for another aspirant. So, it is apt in Yoruba Language to call aspiring Olubadan Agbotikuyo (literarily means someone who rejoices at the death of another aspirant).

It took the late Olubadan Yunusa Bankole Ogundipe 35 years from being Jagun Balogun in 1964 before emerging Olubadan in 1999. The late Oba (Dr) Samuel Odulana started the journey as Jagun Olubadan in 1972, before eventually becoming Olubadan in 2007. He spent 35 years climbing the ladder. The current Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, became Mogaji (the head of his family) in 1976. He became Jagun Balogun in 1978 and eventually, after almost 38 years on the ladder, he became Olubadan in 2016.

Except for Oba Yesufu Kobiowu, who was 55 years old when he ascended the throne in 1964, most Olubadans in history are usually about 80 when ascending the throne. The irony, however, is that Oba Kobiowu reigned for only six months!

It usually takes decades to groom an Olubadan for the stool, through stages of chieftaincy promotion. In Ibadan, any male born title-holder is a potential king. To join either of the lines, the first step for a prospective aspirant is to emerge Magaji of his family. Thereafter, he will queue, before he eventually emerges as Jagun Olubadan or Jagun Balogun as the case may be. Such aspirant will then gain promotion when there is vacancy in the line.

The promotion in the line of Otun Olubadan follows this pattern: From Jagun – Ajia – Bada – Aare Onibon – Gbonnka – Aare-Egbe Omo – Oota – Lagunna – Are-Ago – Ayingun – Asaju – Ikolaba – Aare-Alasa – Agba-Akin – Ekefa – Maye – Abese – Ekaarun Olubadan – Ekerin Olubadan – Ashipa Olubadan – Osi Olubadan – Otun Olubadan, before emerging as Olubadan.

For the Balogun line, similar steps follow this pattern: Jagun – Ajia – Bada – Aare Onibon – Gbonnka – Aare-Egbe Omo – Oota – Lagunna – Are-Ago – Ayingun – Asaju – Ikolaba – Aare-Alasa – Agba-Akin – Ekefa – Maye – Abese – Ekaarun Balogun – Ekerin Balogun – Ashipa Balogun – Osi Balogun – Otun Balogun – Balogun, before eventual emergence as Olubadan.

The republican system of Obaship in Ibadanland was believed to have been firmly established in 1851, when Oyesile Olugbode became the Baale of Ibadan and Ibikunle became the Balogun; Sunmola Laamo became the Otun Baale, while Ogunmola was installed the Otun Balogun. The innovation became a regular feature whereby there evolved two separate chieftaincy lines, namely the Baale line and the Balogun Isoriki line. The Baale title gave the holder mainly the civic responsibility, while the Balogun line comprised war chiefs who held purely military titles. The two lines produced the next Baale or Olubadan in a sequential order.

The title, Olubadan, was later adopted; it was formerly called Olori (leader), Aare Ona Kakanfo, Baale, Basorun and Balogun. The Egbe Agba, which was Otun Olubadan line as it is now called, were originally not more than eight, while the Balogun line, which represented the line of the warlords, had seven.

In 1946, the Ibadan Native Authority made a declaration under the Native Law and Custom regarding the appointment of a new ruler of the town that Balogun eventually ceased to be the only successor to the Baale. Thus, the two lines, Otun Olubadan line and the Balogun line shall succeed in turn. There is another line of Seriki in the Ibadan system. The Seriki is the Chief Scout, with other lieutenants under him. There is also the Iyalode line, though cannot produce Olubadan since it is a female line, but at the zenith of the ladder is a prominent member of the Olubadan-in-Council, the Iyalode of Ibadanland.

According to Reverend Samuel Jackson, in his book: “The history of Yorubas,” from the earliest times to the beginning of the British Protectorate, the Traditional Council (Egbe Agba), before the advent of the colonial administration, was the supreme organ of state while, in the exercise of power, the Baale was the chief executive. The colonial government inaugurated the Ibadan Town Council in August 1897. Between 1897 and 1901, the council comprised the Baale, Otun Baale, Osi Baale, Balogun and eight to 12 other High Chiefs traditionally regarded as the most powerful.

A number of changes were introduced in 1901 as a result of the Native Council Ordinance of 1901 initiated by Governor (Sir) William MacGregor. The Baale became the president of the Council. Rulers of Ibadan were generally referred to as Baale until 1930 when the title of Olubadan was resuscitated.

The 11 high chiefs that formed the Olubadan-in-Council, alongside the Iyalode and Seriki, are recognised as kingmakers. They are traditional heads of the 11 local government areas in Ibadanland. The Olubadan is, however, the prescribed and consenting authorities. It is worthy of note that the 11 kingmakers have been enjoying royalty from the day they are promoted to the high chief positions. They are made to oversee the affairs of 11 traditional councils in Ibadanland and though they do not wear crowns, their houses are normally turned palaces, in preparation for their becoming the Olubadan. Each of the kingmakers oversees the affairs of traditional council in the local government assigned by the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The traditional chieftaincy system that has been producing the Olubadan of Ibadanland has the Balogun line, with 23 rungs, while the Otun Olubadan line has 22 rungs. The ladder shows the specific steps an aspirant to the stool of Olubadan must climb before finally arriving at the zenith. The Iyalode line too currently has 23 rungs, with the Iyalode of Ibadanland as one of the kingmakers of the Olubadan-in-Council.

It is also important to note that the Olubadan is the paramount ruler of Ibadanland and, upon his approval, Baales are appointed for provinces and communities. Hitherto, a Baale could only appoint his chiefs for the community only with the approval of the Olubadan, being the prescribed and consenting authorities. Baales in ancient towns and settlement have been agitating that they should be promoted as Obas, to make them at parity with their counterparts in the neighbouring towns and states.



The new order

The Oyo State government, under the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, commenced moves to review the 1959 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration made pursuant to the 1957 Chiefs Laws and other related chieftaincies in Ibadanland by setting up a O.A. Boade-led Commission of Inquiry on May 9, 2017. The commission, after its sitting, came up with recommendations in its report submitted to the government on August 19, 2017. Consequent upon this, the government set up a technical committee to look into the report and came up with implementable recommendations. The White Paper was published in Government Gazette No 14, Notice 27 Vol.42 of August 23, 2017 and Gazette No 15 Notice 28, Vol. 42 of August 24, 2017 respectively.

There had been clamour that each family producing a Magaji (family head) must look for younger candidate between ages 25 and 35. The new order, according to the Government Gazette No 14, Notice 27 Vol. 42 of August 23, 2017, did not, however, place any age limit, but to emerge as Magaji, the aspirant should have a family compound within Ibadan city, produce evidence of family support and must not combine the position with that of a Baale in the village. To, therefore, ensure emergence of a younger Olubadan of Ibadanland, the steps on ascendancy ladder is now reduced from 45 to 23.

In the old order, the Otun Olubadan line has 22 rungs, while the Balogun line has 23. In the new order, however, as published in the Gazette, the Otun Olubadan line has 11, while the Balogun line has 12. The entry point to the ladder on both sides is now Ikolaba instead of Jagun, with steps between the Jagun and Ikolaba levels abolished. The ladder is now shorter!

The sequence is now as follows on the Otun Olubadan line: Ikolaba Olubadan – Aare Alasa Olubadan – Agbaakin Olubadan – Ekefa Olubadan – Maye Olubadan – Abese Olubadan – Ekaarun Olubadan – Ekerin Olubadan – Ashipa Olubadan – Osi Olubadan – Otun Olubadan, before eventual emergence as Olubadan. For the Balogun line, this is the order: Ikolaba Balogun – Aare Alasa Balogun – Agbaakin Balogun – Ekefa Balogun – Maye Balogun – Abese Balogun – Ekaarun Balogun – Ekerin Balogun – Ashipa Balogun – Osi Balogun – Otun Balogun – Balogun, before the eventual emergence as Olubadan. It is recommended that the new appointment to fill any vacancy in both Olubadan and Balogun lines should be frozen until the time the incumbent Jagun on each of the two lines had been eventually promoted to Aare-Alasa on both lines, thereby leaving Ikolaba title on both lines vacant, to be filled as the first step of the ladders of the new structure.

The new order allows the retention of the rotational system to become the Olubadan between the two lines, the Otun Olubadan line and the Balogun line. It, however, approves the change of titles of members of Olubadan-In-Council from High Chiefs to Obas, who will, from now, wear beaded crowns and each will be recognised as His Royal Majesty. The development did not make provision for the Seriki line. The high chiefs promoted to beaded-crown obas are the Otun Olubadan, Osi Olubadan, Balogun, Otun Balogun, Osi Balogun, Ashipa Olubadan, Ashipa Balogun, Ekerin Olubadan, Ekerin Balogun, Ekarun Olubadan and the Ekarun Balogun, 11 in all. The 11 beaded-crown obas, in addition to the Iyalode, shall be the kingmakers of the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

To ensure a sound-mind candidate without any dispute emerges as candidate for the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the reviewed declaration, as published in the Gazette, holds that “no person shall be qualified to be a candidate for a recognised chieftaincy who: (a) suffers from serious physical infirmity, or (b) has, under any law in force in Nigeria, been found or declared to be a lunatic or adjudged to be of unsound mind; or (c) has, in any part of the Commonwealth: (i) been sentenced to death or imprisonment for a term exceeding two years; or (ii) been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty and sentenced to imprisonment therefore, and has not been granted a free pardon.”

With the coronation as obas and wearing of crowns, each of the 11 kingmakers of the Olubadan of Ibadanland shall become a beaded-crown wearing oba and shall be addressed as High Royal Majesty with the prefix “Oba” before his name, in conjunction with his respective title. They are to preside over the affairs of the existing 11 local government traditional councils in Ibadanland. Though they now bear obas, they are not called after a province, village or settlement. One of the high chiefs-turned Oba is the current Otun Olubadan. He is now to be called Oba Lekan Balogun, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland.



Ancient Baales now promoted as obas

All senior chiefs customarily senior to various Baales in Ibadanland are now upgraded to Recognised Chiefs under Part II of the Chiefs Law, in order to maintain the customarily- cherished seniority of the senior chiefs over the various Baales. The development was to enhance their dignity and superiority.


A cross section of Baales promoted as Obas. PHOTOS: TOMMY ADEGBITE
In the reviewed declaration, these Baales are now promoted to become Obas and will therefore wear coronets, symbolising their superiority over other Baales. Each one of them will, henceforth, bear the title of His Royal Highness and the following titles: Onijaye of Ijaye; Oniroko of Iroko; Onikereku of Ikereku; Elerunmu of Erunmu; Ololodo of Olodo; Elegbeda of Egbeda; Onido of Ido; Alakufo of Akufo; Oloke of Okelade-Okin; Alawotan of Awotan; Olomi of Omi-Adio; Onilalupon of Lalupon; Olugbon of Ile Igbon; Olofa of Ofa-Igbo; Ologburo of Ogburo; Onilagun of Lagun; Alaba of Abanla; Onilatunde of Latunde; Alayunre of Idi-Ayunre; Alakanran of Akanran; Alajia of Ajia and the Elejioku of Ejioku.



Justification for the new order

While justifying his position, the Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, said the review was in response to yearnings of well-meaning stakeholders, including the Ibadan Elders Council, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and eminent sons and daughters of Ibadanland, such as Chief T. A. Akinyele, the late Chief Omowale Kuye, members of the Olubadan-in-Council who desire the elevation and the need to redress the lopsidedness in the number of beaded crown obas in Ibadanland, vis-à-vis other zones in the state. He said by virtue of the panel report, all senior chiefs on the Olubadan line will now be Part II recognized chiefs under the Chiefs Laws of Oyo State.

Speaking on the reasons for the review, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Olalekan Alli, said obas in other parts of Yorubaland were granted approval to wear beaded crowns. Therefore, to make obas in Ibadanland as par and not inferior to their counterparts, the recommendation for wearing of beaded crowns by the obas are made, especially for the Baales who are recommended for elevation. The Olubadan of Ibadanland will retain his superiority to all other obas so appointed and he shall be addressed as His Imperial Majesty. Other members of the Olubadan-in-Council will be addressed as Their Royal Majesties (with beaded crowns), while the promoted Baales will be addressed as Their Royal Highnesses (with coronets).

The SSG said the governor exercised the powers conferred on him by Section 28(i) Cap. Vol 1 of the Chiefs Law of Oyo State of Nigeria 2000 and the amended 1959 Declaration to effect the changes. Alli further said the review made pursuant to the 1957 Chiefs Laws and other related Chieftaincies in Ibadanland, by the Oyo State Government led by Governor Ajimobi is not peculiar or unusual, adding that successive administrations had instituted commissions of enquiry to review the declaration and changes adopted.

The new order, according to him, would enhance the status and title of the Olubadan as supreme ruler of Ibadanland, who shall be addressed as His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland. It will also enhance the sociocultural status of Ibadanland and give the Obas a greater sense of responsibilities. It provides justification for the upgrade of Ibadanland to the status of a state and, therefore, conforms to the cultural realities and traditional settings within Oyo State and beyond.


Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan of Ibadanland
Also justifying the position of government, the state Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mr ‘Toye Arulogun, who also is a member of the government technical committee that drafted the white paper, said it would be wrong for the high chiefs in Ibadanland to preside over Baales who had been crowned at the traditional council meeting in every local government they were assigned. He said to correct the lopsidedness, the government decided to promote the Ibadan high chiefs to crown-wearing obas, to show their superiority and supremacy over the promoted Baales and to give them a sense of leadership at whatever meeting they called at the local government where they preside. He also justified the reason for their new appellation as Their Royal Majesties, as against the appellation of the coronet-wearing Baales, who are now promoted as Their Royal Highnesses. He said “The Royal Majesty will now be able to call meeting at the local government assigned to him by the Olubadan and enforce his authority over The Royal Highness(es) at such meeting alongside the other Baales in the traditional council.”



Affirming Olubadan’s superiority

To avoid conflict and to affirm the supremacy of the title and office of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, the Government Gazette published on August 22 affirmed that no newly elevated oba shall add “land” to the name of his domain in his title. The “Olu” title is exclusively reserved for the Olubadan of Ibadanland, likewise the suffix “land.” The meeting of the council, now called, “Council of Obas in Ibadanland,” shall henceforth be at the Mapo Hall, pending the completion of the official residence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland at Ibadan House, Oke Aremo. The meeting shall be chaired by His Imperial Majesty, the Olubadan of Ibadanland.

The new order, as published by the government, also affirmed the superiority of the Olubadan of Ibadanland as the only consenting and prescribed authorities for Ibadanland. “Any oba in Ibadanland who shows disregard or disrespect to the position of authority of the Olubadan through refusal to pay necessary customary obeisance and flouting of superior customary authority shall be investigated by a committee of traditional chiefs and appropriate sanction will be recommended against any guilty offender. A very serious infraction of the tradition can be reported to the state governor, through the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters.”

Jubilant, enthused and ready! - IBADAN is seated at Mapo to witness elevation of the Olubadan stool and to receive her new Obas!

Ibadan mesi Ogo, nile Oluyole!
Ibadan Omo ajoro sun. Omo a je Igbin yoo,fi ikarahun fo ri mu.
Ibadan maja-maja bii tojo kin-in-ni, eyi too ja aladuugbo gbogbo logun;
Ibadan ki ba ni s’ore ai mu ni lo s’ogun. Ibadan Kure!

Oya ooo!

#Coronation
#NewObasOfIbadan
#AsiwajuNiWa

Ibadan State, Now Beckons
...as 21 new Obas receive staff of office today


Ibadan United in Diaspora, an international socio – cultural group consisting of well meaning Ibadan indigenes in Diaspora congratulates the people of Ibadanland on the dynamic and bold step by the Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on modernising the traditional system of Ibadanland without disrupting the succession and ascendancy structure.



We are indeed pleased about this development which is moving us closer to the actualization of Ibadan State.

Congratulations to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1

Congratulations to Their Royal Majesties!!!

Congratulations to their Royal Highnesses

Congratulations to the People of Ibadanland!!!

Congratulations to the People of Oyo State!!!!



Signed
Ibadan United in Diaspora
27, Myrtle Close, Erith Kent DA 8, 3 PT

Elevation of Olubadan and coronation of new Obas in Ibadan - THE TELLING FACTS | Sayo Aluko

Ibadan is the most populous Yoruba city, the culture capital of the Southwest. It has 11 local government councils with over 160 recognizable regions. It has sought a "State status" for many years. But, until today it had only one Oba. A big disservice to the throne, heritage, history and the people of Ibadan. An unarguable disservice.

Our last Olubadan, Oba Samuel Odulana Odugade 1, was conferred a CFR status. At the conferment, he was accompanied by chiefs. Other Oba's were accompanied by "lower-ranking" Obas from their domain.

Abeokuta has 4 or more Obas. Eko has many. Ijebu has several. Ife has about 4. Iwo has about 4. The Awujale is the paramount ruler of Ijebu land. The Oluwo is the paramount for Iwo land. The Alake is paramount for Abeokuta. The Ooni is paramount for Ife.

These are smaller towns than Ibadan with less population and lower numbers of LGs. The Olubadan deserves to have "lesser" Obas under him.

And, apart from its befitting stance, any Ibadan indigene who needs to be schooled on the importance and impact of regional and subregional Obas towards socioeconomic advancement and communal accord cum efficiency, must be wilfully ignorant.

It is clear as day that this move even seems already belated and couldn't have come at a better time. The efforts channeled into rebuilding and modernising Ibadan would amount to a futuristic futility if we don't strengthen and reposition our traditional institutions, in this case, the Obaship. What's the essence of building infrastructure without a reticulated, strong and befitting communal institution to boot? Well, your guess is as good as mine. I'll deploy a Yoruba proverb as an allegory here - Omo (read Ìlú) táà'kó, láá kó ilé táa kó tà!

By this move, Ibadan has one Olubadan that becomes the Imperial majesty, 11 senior ranking Obas and another 11 Mogajis that now wear beads.

The ascension line to the Olubadan remains unchanged. The Otun and Osi line continue in the historical path to Oba.

The demand for this was by the Mogajis, 10 of the 11 high chiefs and other submissions to a Judicial Commission of Inquiry constituted by the Governor of Oyo State, who by law has the power to create such. Notably, past Governors have also attempted this move, but this is the time it's coming to fruition.

The move is supported by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Ibadan Elders forum and other Ibadan cultural associations.

It's a new royal dawn in Ibadan, let's wear our robes and celebrate, while we brace ourselves for the positive impact that will be driven by this new, but long-overdue wave.

Today, the Olubadan-in-council popularly known as High Chiefs became Obas.

Certificate to that effect was handed over to them by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Alli Olalekan, at a well-attended ‎event which took place at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan.

‎An informed source told Insideoyo.com that the iwuye would come up on Sunday at Mapo by 12 noon.

Meanwhile, the Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, had described the purported outcome of of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry for the review of the existing 1957 Declaration of Olubadan of Ibadanland and other related chieftaincies in Ibadanland, headed by Justice Akintunde Boade (retd) set up by the Oyo State government, “as a joke carried too far.”

The traditional ruler stated last Tuesday, in a statement issued and signed by his Director, Media and Public Affairs, Adeola Oloko and made available to journalists in Ibadan.

The Commission of Inquiry had submitted its report to the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan on the recommendation of a 32-beaded-crown-wearing Obas in Ibadan while the Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, will maintain his status as the paramount ruler of the ancient city.

We’ll recall that some few days ago, upon prodding by members of the royal Olubadan-in-council in part, and also in tune with a need to elevate the Olubadan stool by the way of expansion, the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up by the Governor Abiola Ajimobi administration to review the 1957 Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration, submitted its recommendations.

Much to the joy of sons and daughters in the 160 regions of Ibadanland, a highlight of these recommendations is the installation of a panoply of 32 beaded-crown Obas across Ibadanland, while the Olubadan stool is elevated to the level of a ‘Paramount Ruler’ and ‘Imperial Majesty’.

As we join in on these celebrations, Oyolawa deems it fitting to refresh our thoughts with ten (10) major reasons why this review is valid, long overdue and worth celebrating:

1. The review is in line with the modernization agenda of the present government, a postion which is in tandem with modern trends obtainable generally in the traditional and Obaship institution of Southwest Nigeria.

2. The review does not aim at distorting or destroying the age-long succession arrangement pertaining to the Olubadan stool.

3. Rather, this Ajimobi government-led review seeks the elevation the Olubadan to the level of an Imperial Majesty, with royal majesties beneath the imperial stool.

4. The review has legal backing – Sections 10 and 25 Cap 28 of the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law 2000, states the following:
(a) Section 10 of the Chiefs law gives a discretionary power to the Governor of the state if satisfied that a Declaration is faulty or objectionable, to amend or replace such declaration. That power is exercisable only by the governor without necessarily being in consultation with anybody.

(b) “Section 25(1) gives power to the Governor to set up an enquiry which he may consider necessary or desirable, which includes the power to make, review or amend a declaration.

5. The review has historical traction – Past governments in Oyo state have exercised the right to commission a review of the Declaration.
(a) A 1974 Commission of Enquiry reviewed the Chieftaincy declaration and its recommendations were adopted and changes effected by the then Military Government of Western States.
(b) In I976, there was the Adenekan Ademola Judicial Commission of Enquiry which made recommendations which the then Military government accepted and changes effected in 1981.
(c) Governor Kolapo Ishola set up the Oloko Commission of Enquiry on April 1st 1993 to review the chieftaincy declarations all over the state.
(d) Governor Rasheed Ladoja also set up the Adio Commission of Enquiry whose recommendations never came to fruition.

6. The review has the backing of many stakeholders in Ibadan – Over 100 memorada were submitted and sittings were attended by different groups including the members of Olubadan-in-Coucil, Ibadan Elders Forum, Mogajis, Baales, among others, urging that all parties should let the law take its course and allow peace reign in Ibadanland.

7. Governor Abiola Ajimobi, like other past governors, derived his constitutional powers to commission the review from Sections 10 and 25 Cap 28 of the Oyo State Chieftaincy Law 2000 stated above.

8. The review is much needed and long overdue because Ibadan, and its over 160 regions, needs it.

9. Ibadanland is big enough to entrench and accommodate a broader traditional base for cultural and communal efficiency.

10. This review seeks expansion and not distortion of the succession of the Olubadan stool. Rather, it seeks ways to make Ibadan have regional Obas to ensure much ease in attaining communal accord and peace, and driving socioeconomic development.

Restructuring: Ajimobi advocates resource control, fiscal discipline


As the debate for the restructuring of the country rages, Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has called on the Federal Government to surrender the control and management of revenue accruing from natural resources to the owner states.

The governor canvassed the position as a panelist at the ongoing 57th Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association, where he presented a paper on “Debt as a drag on institution building,” in Lagos, on Wednesday.   

Other speakers at the session were the Ghanaian Minister of Finance, Mr. Ken Ofori-Atta, and the Director-General, Debt Management Office (DMO), Mrs. Patience Oniha.

In what he described as a warped federalism that favours the FG, the governor said that the states have continued to rely heavily on the centre for the bulk of the revenue to manage its affairs.

Ajimobi said, "There is an urgent need for fiscal independence for the states if we are to be free from going to Abuja monthly cap in hand to collect allocations. Let the states control some of the resources in their domain.

"Let the FG unbundle some of the responsibilities in its care. Some of the items currently on the exclusive legislative list should be moved to the concurrent list. For, instance, there is no reason why the FG should be giving licenses to miners in my state.

“We need to revisit this arrangement so that the states will not perpetually be at the mercy of the FG. The practice is stifling the development of the states. Financial independence will reduce the rate at which states obtain loans.”  

The governor had blamed the country’s high debt profile on political and economic instability, policy fluctuations, bribery and corruption, misappropriation, non-adherence to sound economic philosophy, weak institutions and deficient legal frameworks.

As one of the African countries touted as having the potential of becoming an economic power house, Ajimobi stressed that Nigeria must look deeply at its debt management and servicing tactics to attain the status.

He identified administrative corruption by political leaders and collaborating civil servants, through diversion of loans meant for designated projects to other projects that would cater for their narrow interests, as a major factor responsible for the country’s rising debt profile.

The governor recommended the strengthening of institutional capacity, adherence to terms and conditionality of loans, attitudinal change and project financing monitoring as the panacea to the country’s high debt profile.

The governor said, “There is a positive correlation between meaningful economic growth and strict financial discipline. The reverse may be the case when debt servicing, whether external or domestic, becomes burdensome due to mismanagement of loans.

"Nigeria, among some other African countries, has been noted to be among the world growing economies and as such we cannot but take loans, but we must look at the diligent approach and management of our debt.

"It is no longer news that institutional corruption perpetuated by politicians and colluding civil servants has over time caused the country a lot of problems, as the two divert loans meant for particular projects to other projects they believe their individual purposes would be served.”

In his presentation, Ghana's finance minister recalled his country's financial journey post-2007 debt forgiveness by creditors; a period during which he said Ghana witnessed economic growth and turnaround.

Ofori-Atta blamed what he described as the unfortunate misappropriation of the country’s loans over time for its retrogression to 73 per cent debt to Gross Domestic Product ratio and a decline in growth rate.

Since the incumbent administration took over the reins of leadership about eight months ago, he said that Ghana had put in place stringent measures to regulate its debt through the creation of debt management office.

In a similar vein, he said that the country also approved deficit target by the legislature and criminalized any attempt by politicians or civil servants to undertake projects outside budgetary provisions.

The minister said, "Ghana has criminalized any attempt by civil servants and politicians to execute projects outside the budget. We have created the DMO office and gave legislative approval to deficit target, among other measures to stabilize the debt rise and grow our economy.

"The most important aspect of the measures is to grow revenue and reduce taxes by 40 per cent for the people to get back to business. There is a lot of optimism and we are having a negative to a positive outlook."

On her part, the DMO boss said that her office had done its bits towards attaining fiscal sustainability, stressing that borrowing was part of the budget implementation of the office since its creation in 2000, following the country's exit from the Paris Club.

Oniha urged the FG to create paths for states and corporate bodies to raise capitals and bonds as availed by commercial banks.

She described the country’s revenue as underperforming, equating it to that of Bangladesh, adding that "our revenue level is very low because apart from new borrowing, the old borrowing is piling."





Communication Team 

Governor's Office

Ibadan

What You Need To Know About The Oyo State Government Home Owner's Charter Program

1. What Really Is The Oyo State Government Home Owner's Charter Program?

Home Owner Charter is a program of the Oyo state government on residential landed properties. The aim of the government is to allow homeowners regularize the legal status and documentation of their properties whilst providing enumeration data for proper planning, provision of roads, schools, hospitals and other essential services by the State Government.

Under the program, owners of eligible properties built without title or required approval in Oyo State will be given a window of opportunity to obtain Building Plan Approval, Certificate of Occupancy or other title documents.

All penalties and fines have been waived, documentations requirements relaxed and fees discounted to enable as many residents as possible to benefit.

2. What Gave Rise To The Need To Undertake This Program?

Records have shown that the majority of residential landed property in Oyo state have no registered title and as such made it difficult for proper planning - thereby denying owners the necessary benefits accruable from their residential properties. These houses have no Building Plan Approval, Certificate of Occupancy or other recognized title documents;
As a result:

• Homeowners have difficulties using their properties as collateral or selling /transferring their properties, due to lack of documentation.

• In real estate market transactions, most properties are undervalued due to lack of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O).

• The lack of proper documentation regrrsses the growth of the Oyo State property market preventing all stakeholders from getting the necessary information and thus reducing vibrancy in the property market.

• There is no accurate data on the actual number of residences in most areas for proper planning and provision of essential social amenities.

3. What Do I Gain from The Oyo State Government Home Owner's Charter Program?

• Documentation which confirms your true status as Homeowner.

• You will enjoy a significant discount in the process to obtain proper legal title to the land (C of O), Survey and Approved Building Plan.

• The value of the property will be enhanced and become more marketable as buyers can confidently transact knowing that correct title documentation is available.

• Property with correct legal status and documentation can be used as collateral for Bank loans and other business transactions.

• Dispute over ownership will be minimized, in the event of death, heirs are sure of valid inheritance.

• Property related fraud and problems of Omo-Oniles/Ajagungbales would be reduced.

• Your residential area will benefit from the Oyo State Government's urban renewal policy through effective planning of facilities in the areas of education, health and other essential infrastructure.

4. How Do I Apply For The Home Owner Charter?

Application forms are available FREE OF CHARGE at any of the following locations;

• Ministry of Land, Housing and Survey.

• Partner Banks: Access Bank, Diamond Bank, Eco Bank, Enterprise Bank, Fidelity Bank PLC, First Bank PLC, First a city Monument Bank, Guaranty Trust Bank, keystone Bank, Mainstreet Bank PLC, Skye Bank, Stanbic IBTC PLC, Union Bank PLC, United Bank for Africa, Wema Bank PLC, Zenith Bank.

• HomeOwner Charter Centres in your area.

5. What is the process of treating my applications and how long will it take?

On receipt of your completed application form and payment of the expected fee of N120,000 only.

• Our surveyors, Town Planners and Land Officers will carry out a joint inspection visit to confirm that the property is eligible and that the information on the form is correct.

• On submission of your completed admission form, you will be issued a fees assessment letter of the expected fee of N120,000.

Note: You will then have a maximum of 3 weeks to pay the amount on the final invoice.

2. Can I pay in installments?

No: A onetime fee of N120,000 must be paid.

3. What will happen to those who do not take advantage of the Home Owner Charter program?

Home Owner Charter program is an extremely generous offer of the Oyo State Government to enable homeowners to regularize their status.

It is a once in a lifetime offer, and it is strongly advised that homeowners take full advantage of it.

Any residential property owner who fails to take advantage if this generous offer will have to apply for the conventional Certificate of Occupancy, which takes much longer and is more expensive.

4. Can I apply for the Home Owner Charter Program on a tenanted property?

Yes you can; but you will need to provide data on the tenants living in the property for the purpose of our enumeration. The data required is simple and the process of collecting it should not be difficult. Having the data will also assist you in knowing exactly who is living in your property and will enable us to plan for services in the area of your property.

5. Can I apply for the Home Owner charter Program on a property that is not yet completed?

Yes; so long as they are occupied, properties that have been completed and not completed are eligible for this scheme, as the aims of the scheme are to ratify properties in existence and occupied at the present time.

6. Can Property Owners who live abroad apply?

Yes, as long as they are bona-fide owner of the property, they are eligible to apply.

7. Is there a difference between the Home Owner's Charter C of O and the conventional C of O?

Any C of O obtained under the Home Owner's Charter program will be as valid as a C of O obtained through the conventional means provided all supporting documents are valid.

LAUTECH to open in “few days” – Pro-ChancellorPublished on August 21, 2017 By Ifreke Inyang

The new Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, Prof. Oladapo Afolabi, has announced that the university will re-open in some days’ time.

Afolabi, at a press conference in Osogbo Monday, alongside other new members of the Governing Council of the institution, disclosed that the new council was close to finding a lasting solution to the problems that have kept the university shut down for a little over a year.


LAUTECH’s vice-chancellor, Prof. Adeniyi Gbadegesin and other principal officers of the university as well as members of the Governing Council including Prof. Lai Olurode, were present at the press conference.

Afolabi said: “We had our inaugural meeting at the main campus in Ogbomoso on August 9, 2017, and charted for ourselves a 90-day action plan which has started in earnest. For instance, consultations have been held with the various unions, parent forum and traditional rulers.

“We have also engaged the auditing firm, KPMG, and as I address you here, I make bold to inform you that we are expecting an interim report from the firm in a matter of days. It is this report we will be presenting to the visitors to the university. We have high hope that submission of this relief would go a long way in midwife get a lasting solution to the problems of LAUTECH.

“From various interactions of the council with the diverse stakeholders, we have realized that we are on the same page, working towards the same goal, which is that. The Council should spare no efforts to get the university reopen for students to continue with their studies and move on with their academic pursuit. The students have pledged their cooperation to abide by any decision taken if that would make the university to work again.”

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has given gratitude to God for answering the prayers of a multitude of citizens of the country who have been praying fervently for the safe return of President Muhammadu Buhari.

A statement by the governor’s Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, quoted the governor as having expressed delight in the renewed vigour of the president, which he said should reinforce the people’s belief in awesome powers of God.

He called for the continued prayers of the citizens for the well-being of Buhari and leaders at all levels for the country to remain cohesive and return to prosperity and abundance.

Ajimobi said, “I’m delighted that God has answered our prayers now that Mr. President has returned to continue to steer the ship of our great country. All along, I had no doubt in my mind that God will heal our president and renew his strength like the eagle’s.

“His recovery and safe return to the country, hale and hearty, should reinforce the belief of cynics that nothing is impossible with God. He is the giver and taker of life. And no matter how raging the storm may be in our lives, we will only depart this world at God’s appointed time.

“We have seen the young and the old dying even without falling sick. That was their appointed time. No one can add a single day to his or her appointed time and when God says it’s not yet your turn to die you will always surmount sicknesses and dangers.”

Ajimobi said that during his recent solidarity visit to Buhari while convalescing in London, in company with other governor colleagues, he saw a president who was more concerned about the well-being, unity, and prosperity of the country.

The governor appealed to the citizens to rally behind the president and to desist from stoking the embers of disunity, discord and ethno-religious sentiments capable of disintegrating the country.

The governor saluted the doggedness and sense of purpose of the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, while holding the fort in the absence of the president, which, he said, was a veritable lesson in humility, loyalty and patriotism to the national interests.

Ajimobi said that Osinbajo creditably performed the role with the fear of God and refrained from taking steps that would have given the impression of inordinate ambition or disloyalty to his boss.

Chairperson of the Oyo State Education Trust Fund, Chief Onikepo Akande has sought the cooperation of private tertiary institutions, private schools among others in providing one percent of school fees of each student and one percent of their Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

Akande who made the appeal in a meeting with education stakeholders at the fund’s office, assured that the fund gathered would be judiciously used to supplement the provision of good quality education in the state.

Reiterating that the receipt of the payments was to commence in September, she assured that both private and public schools alike were bound to benefit from the deliveries of the education trust fund.

“I want to assure the private school owners that effective strategy will also be put in place to ensure that all the private schools and the pupils/students benefit from the policy in the idea of what is good for the goose is good for the gander,” she said.

Speaking in the same vein, Executive Secretary, Oyo ETF, Mrs Adenike Okunade, stated that the fund aimed at ensuring successful completion of education intervention projects and promoting cutting-edge technologies, ideas, and organizational skills in education.

“We urge you to give this policy the widest publicity it deserves and religiously supply the fund with valid and reliable statistics as at when requested for. We also urge you to partner positively with the state government through the payment of one school fees and IGR to the fund’s account as the case may be with effect from September, 2017 when the Institutions are expected to have commenced a new semester,” Okunade said.

Oyo state government has listed 11 places where indigenes can register for the health insurance scheme.

The government said the importance of sound health, affordability and accessibility is one that cannot be over emphasized.

To this end, the Oyo state government has introduced the Health Insurance Scheme (HIS) which would make affordable health services available to the good people and residents of Oyo state.

For an affordable fee of just N650 monthly, residents can have access to quality health care while children and pregnant women will have theirs free of charge.

To access the health insurance scheme, Oyo state residents need to register at these locations below;

1. International Health Management Service limited (08030770916)

2. Healthcare International Nigeria Limited (08052099076)

3. Ultimate Health Management Services (08030727288)

4. Mediplan Health Limited (08159394361/08159394362)

5. United Healthcare International (07043936981)

6. Clearline International Limited (08060060004)

7. Agency calling No (08057000530/09030000530)

In addition, the registration points are:

1. All Local Government headquarters and LCDA Headquarters in Oyo State

2. All Oyo state General Hospitals

3. Waiting hall, House of assembly complex

4. Agency’s office, Quarters 626, Links Reservation, Onireke, Ibadan.

Ibadanland set to have 32 additional Obas – Oyo Lawa!

Ibadanland, arguably the largest in Yorubaland and West Africa, is set to have a total of 32 beaded crown-wearing Obas, while the Olubadan stool and the present Olubadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji, and will maintain his status as the paramount ruler and imperial majesty of the ancient city.

This is the highpoint of the recommendations by the Judicial Commission of Inquiry for the review of the existing 1957 Declaration of Olubadan of Ibadanland and other related chieftaincies in Ibadanland, set up by the Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

To reduce the lengthy years it takes a potential Olubadan to get to the pinnacle of the two chieftaincy lines producing the Olubadan on rotational basis, the panel has also reduced the rungs from the existing 22 to 11 on the Otun line, while the Balogun line was reduced to 12 from 23.

The implication being that the Ikolaba chieftaincy will now become the entry point for a potential high chief, instead of Jagun chieftaincy as it currently stands, if the recommendations sail through.

These were highlights of the report presented to the governor by the Chairman of the Commission, Justice Akintunde Boade (retd) at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, on Friday.

The presentation of the report by the 11-member commission was witnessed by members of the Olubadan-in-Council, led by the Otun Olubadan, High Chief Lekan Balogun and Balogun of Ibadanland, High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin.

Others included members of Ibadan Council of Elders, representatives of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), all the local government chairmen from Ibadanland and other eminent personalities of Ibadan extraction.

Receiving the report, the governor said no effort would be spared to ensure that the recommendations were implemented as early as next month.

Ajimobi said that his administration’s resolve to carry out a comprehensive review of the Olubadan chieftaincy was in response to the requests by the Olubadan-in-Council, Ibadan elders, members of CCII and others.

Insisting that the exercise was not new, the governor recalled that previous administrations had reviewed the chieftaincy declaration, but could not muster the political will to implement their respective reports.

He said that review was necessary in order to enhance the status of the Olubadan, to be in line with what obtains in other states in Yorubaland as well as to conform to the modern trend in culture and tradition.

The governor said that he was not unmindful of the pockets of opposition to the move, noting that he was not bothered as long as those in support were overwhelmingly in the majority.

Ajimobi said, “It is not everybody that will agree with us but once we have the majority who are in support, we are not bothered. As is customary, some people will disagree with any policy the government wants to implement, only for them to commend such policy in future.

“So, we really don’t mind those who are abusing us for taking this action. It only makes us happy and realize that we are doing the right thing.

“I salute the doggedness and patriotism of members of the commission for doing a thorough job. I also want to thank the CCII, Ibadan Council of Elders for their support.

“I particularly want to immensely appreciate the Olubadan-in-council for their overwhelming and intellectual support for the review without minding whether the recommendations would affect them positively or negatively.

“By the grace of God, we can implement the recommendations as early as next month. The review will only enhance the status of Olubadan as the imperial majesty. It will not diminish his influence in any way.”

Earlier, Boade had explained that in arriving at 32 beaded crowns, the commission gave preference to the current 11 high chiefs that made up the Olubadan-in-Council; nine eligible ancient baales and five baales who are members of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

He added that two baales at the state’s borders with Ogun and Osun States were also considered for beaded crown judging by their untiring efforts in ensuring that their areas were secured for Ibadanland.

Boade further explained that while one baale was considered because of historical importance of his area, four others were also recommended for the beaded crown-wearing obas on the basis of their historical antecedents.

He said, “For the avoidance of any doubt, the commission wishes to emphasize and restate the unassailable fact that the Kabiyesi, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, remains the only paramount ruler in Ibadanland.

“We received a total of 120 memoranda, out of which three were struck out on the basis that they were not relevant to our terms of reference, while nine of the people who submitted memoranda refused, failed or neglected to give oral evidence in support of their memoranda.”

All too often, when the issue of pollution is mentioned, the average Nigerian’s mind reflexively goes to such features as refuse collection and waste management, perennial floods that practically paralyse many states during heavy rains or the leakage of harmful elements into water distribution systems, thus endangering the lives of innocent citizens across our urban areas. All these are undoubtedly sources of environmental pollution with negative consequences for the physical, psychological, emotional and mental well being of those exposed daily to the menace. However a no less insidious and damaging form of pollution is noise, which also has deleterious implications for the economy and the productivity of workers in the public, private as well as informal sectors of the economy.

It is against this background that we commend the Oyo State government, which not only sealed three churches in Ibadan for noise pollution, but has gone ahead to give a 14-day ultimatum for all religious bodies in the state, including churches and mosques, as well as shops selling music and videos to dismantle their external loud speakers or face the sanction of the law.

We support the state government’s decision even though it may not go down well with some religious organisations that feel the more noise they make, the more adherents they win. Indeed, the state government must not relent in its efforts at curbing noise pollution in those areas where the laws can easily be enforced. We urge the churches and mosques in particular – the worst culprits – to adhere to the commissioner’s advice to acquire acoustic furniture and internal speakers in addition to putting in place padding walls with the aim of reducing or eliminating the nuisance of noise in their environment.

Those religious groups that install external speakers as a way of proselytizing and winning converts must realise the folly of such obtrusive tactics. For, in most cases, residents of the communities plagued by their noisy evangelism come to be resentful of religions that they perceive as acting in ways inimical to their peace.

Incidentally, Lagos State, the country’s commercial capital and industrial hub had also long before now taken steps to reduce to the barest minimum the incidence of noise pollution in the state. This is certainly a no mean task given the huge population of the state, the density of vehicular traffic on its roads and the number of large markets for diverse commodities that dot its landscape. In 2015, credible statistical figures indicate that there were 1,527 reported cases of noise pollution in the state with 57 engendering medical concerns.

Indeed, the Lagos State government had earlier imposed a fine of N500, 000 as sanctions against any individual or group that flouted its anti-noise policy. Under the Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) tenure as governor, for instance, the administration instituted a ‘horn-free day’ during which motorists were encouraged not to hoot their horns on a particular day. Unsurprisingly, the otherwise well meant policy had minimal impact and has been unsustainable.

In an interview, consultant ear surgeon, Emmanuel Abayomi Oduwole, pointed out that “Exposure to noise should not be greater than 90 decibels for eight hours per day and five days in a week” warning that anything above that level could lead to permanent hearing loss. What is most dangerous, the expert said, is that the hearing loss may proceed gradually and imperceptibly with the victim completely unaware until it may be too late.

Some doctors have also warned that prolonged exposure to loud noise can result in ailments like epilepsy and cardiovascular disease. A relatively less noisy environment, on the other hand, can improve quality of life as well as boost life expectancy.

AJIMOBI APPOINTS DEPUTY, SSG, IBADAN CHIEF IMAM, 236 OTHERS AS JPs

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has appointed his Deputy, Chief Moses Adeyemo; Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Olalekan Alli, Chief Imam of Ibadan, Sheik Abduganiyu Abubakar and 236 others as Justices of the Peace.


The appointees were inaugurated by the governor, who was represented by his deputy, at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building, Secretariat, Ibadan, on Thursday.


Among those sworn in as JPs were the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Gbade Ojo; Special Adviser, Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka; Special Adviser, Due Process, Mrs. Rose Oyedele, as well as other top officials of the government.


Also on the list were the State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Mr. Benjamin Akanmu; a former Director of the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Prof. Dele Layiwola, among other eminent members of the society.


In his speech read by the deputy governor, Ajimobi said that the new appointees were carefully selected, based on their pedigree, to assist the government in the dispensation of justice and sustenance of peace and harmony across the state.


A retired high court judge, Justice Akintunde Boade, administered the oath of office on the deputy governor, who in turn swore in all others on the JP list.


The governor implored the JPs to use their new position to promote peace and deliver justice in their jurisdictions without fear or favour, as well as to suppress riots and affray, disperse all disorderly and tumultuous assemblage.


Ajimobi said, “As we all know that justice is the bedrock of democracy, our administration will leave no stone unturned to see that justice is not only done, but seen to be manifestly done at all times. The JPs are to complement the efforts of the judiciary to promote peace and harmony in the state.


“Towards this end, an enabling environment is being made available for the judiciary to discharge its duties without fear of favour.


“Apart from the recent appointment of some magistrates and senior magistrates to the lower bench of the state judiciary, Grade `A’ Customary Court presidents were also established for the first time in the state.


“Let it also be known that appointment of more judges to the state High Court and the Customary Court of Appeal is ongoing and the matter is now before the National Judicial Council.’’


The governor explained that the JPs were judicial officers, who were vested with the powers, rights and duties of a magistrate, while he emphasized that their appointment would not attract remunerations.


Ajimobi urged them to see their appointment as a great responsibility towards the promotion of peace, rule of law and good governance in their communities.


In his remarks, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Seun Abimbola, said that the JPs were volunteers who took up the appointment in order to be associated with the reign of peace in the community.

Abimbola stated they were ambassadors of peace at the grassroots and were expected to familiarize themselves with their immediate neighbourhood to settle rifts, foster unity and help resolve conflicts using their competencies.


Communication Team
Governor's Office
Ibadan

GOVERNMENT OF and BY THE PEOPLE INDEED - the School's Governing Boards (SGB) policy is yielding fruit.

The intention of government for establishing the SGBs is to institutionalize and encourage communal and collective management of our public/state-owned schools.

With this new policy, the SGB runs the affairs of the schools, while government supervises and pays salaries of teachers and non- teaching staff, and ensure they act in line with laid down procedures in school management.

The introduction of the SGB policy by the Ajimobi government is aimed at restoring, transforming and repositioning the education sector in the state, and has started yielding positive fruits as Old Student’s Associations, Philanthropists, Parent Teacher Associations, Private Companies among others continuously stretched forth their good hands for the betterment of education sector in general and their Alma Mata in particular.

The gestures of Old Students' Association - Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo through various class sets have demonstrated the commitment and cooperation of Old students that no government can shoulder the responsibilities of education alone. It is this conviction that gave birth to the establishment of the School Governing Boards (SGBs).

The Alumni Association of Olivet Baptist High School, Oyo has renovated several blocks of classrooms stocked with furniture, revived music block among others.

#AsiwajuNiWa
#AjumoseEducation

The Oyo State Government has said that the reconstituted board of trustees of its security trust fund, Oyo State Security Trust Fund (OYSSTF), will be inaugurated on Friday.

The government also disclosed that its re-branded joint patrol team, Operation Burst, will be re-launched to stem the menace of criminal activities in some areas of the state, noting that 20 vans will be distributed to the security outfit to aid their effectiveness and efficiency.

The Executive Secretary of the OYSSTF, Mr. Femi Oyedipe said on Monday that the board to be inaugurated by Governor Abiola Ajimobi at the Executive Chambers is headed by the Deputy Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, Mr. Adebayo Adelabu.

Oyedipe said other members of the board are Dr Adesola Adeduntan, Engr. Femi Odumabo, Dr Falil Abina, Chief Kola Daisi, Mr Vickram Gursahaney and Dr Azeez Adeduntan, the state Commissioner for Health.

He said that the Operation Burst, which comprises of all the security outfits in the State, is expected to complement the efforts of the police in curbing crimes, adding that the officers of the joint patrol team have been mandated to operate in line with the best practices and in accordance with tenets of their security outfits.

The OYSSTF scribe sated that there will be restriction of vehicular movements at the venue of the re-launch of operation, Idi Arere area of the state, explaining that Mapo to Idi Arere and Bode to Idi Arere will be blocked while those coming from Popoyemoja and Kudeti should find alternative routes between the hours of 8am and 1pm.

He said “We want to passionately appeal to the people State to bear with us as there will be no road at the venue of the re-launch at Idi Arere. The governor has directed that the programme should be held at the crisis prone area, hence our decision to pick Idi Arere. Roads around the area will be blocked and we enjoin our people to make use of the alternative routes.

“The rebranded operation burst will complement the efforts of other security outfits in the state to curb crime. Our foundation for development is peace and security and we are not ready to negate our responsibilities to protect lives and properties,” Oyedipe stressed.